Needle Bearing - Yes, Replace It (ECGS)

I got the needle bearing replaced with ECGS bushing on my recently bought lifted Taco. The noise is gone. Thanks to everyone that contributes to this thread.
I have a question. The original needle bearing spins along with the axle, I assume. Since the needle bearing has been replaced with the bushing, which does not spin, wouldn't this cause friction, which generate heat?

 

Friction is negated by gear oil lubrication between the bushing and the CV shaft.

 

2 lifts, 2 accidents and ecg still hasnt been a problem 2017 75k

 

Took my truck to the dealer for this noise and they are going to replace the diff. I’m worried the noise will come back. What are the chances they will be ok with installing the ecgs bearing? I figured it won’t be difficult considering everything will be apart anyway. What’s a reasonable labor rate?

 

you're replacing the diff???

are you paying for this? or is it warranty work?

 

warranty

 

Thank you. I was a little worry.

 

Has anyone had the bushing itself fail? If so, what were the symptoms? Isolating a mysterious bumpy ride feel that I’ve developed.

 

Bushing won't affect ride.

 

Alright, cool. Thanks!

I ask because the needle bearing caused vibration, was curious if the bushing failed if it would cause something as well.

 

I’m lifted 2” for about a year now, stock needle bearing. Still perfect after a few rough wheeling trips.

 

The bushing can't "fail" because there isnt anything to break or fall apart. If the bushing were to wear out, you would slowly get a vibration just like the needle bearing issue. I have not seen/heard of a bushing wearing out yet but it would be interesting to inspect if that ever happens. The bushing is pretty much the same as an engine bearing or transmission output shaft bushing, so yes, there is friction but as stated, it is negated by gear oil. The dealership will not install a ECGS bushing with the new differential. Toyota still says the needle bearing is not a problem. Insane to me that they have not modified their design. That being said, some people go forever without the issue and some go 500 miles. Mine lasted 3k miles or so then I started hearing it.

 

Ok, some of this is not necessarily true. The needle bearing CAN fail. It is very rare. If the bearing has a complete failure, the needles will shoot into your diff and youll need a new front gear set at minimum. I had a buddy go through a needle bearing failure at 45k...

To my knowledge everything else stated above is accurate

 

The guy above was talking about the bushing not the stock bearing.

 

So i am understanding that this is really a non issue for factory height trucks?

 

50/50.... The more height on the truck/4Runners, the more angular pressure you put on the needle bearing. Stock height can have the same problem but lifting them makes it more likely due to the added pressure

 

Anything with tits or a motor will soon give you problems.

 

Does anyone around MA have the tool I could borrow for a weekend? lol

 

Has anyone done this on a 2023 yet? Also, any links for the parts needed? I saw the link that directed to the 2nd Gen conversation about this. Are the parts the same for both Gens? I'm only 3 weeks into being a Tacoma owner (previous Jeep guy, Don't hate me) so I'm learning the differences and samsies between the Generations.

 

Did you guys have to top off the fluid when you switched out the needle bearing for ECGS bushing? I've watched a few videos and looks like some spills out when you remove the factory bearing.